Doctors Manitoba released its annual Physicians in Manitoba report today, finding that record growth in physicians is continuing to shrink the doctor shortage. At the same time, the analysis points to areas where significant shortages remain, and the need to focus more on retaining the doctors already practicing in Manitoba. 

“Manitoba is heading in the right direction on shrinking our severe doctor shortage,” said Dr. Alon Altman, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“The shortage is nearly half the size it was just three years ago when it reached its peak, but we still have serious gaps in many specialties and in many rural communities.”

Overall, the report finds that:

• Manitoba now has 235 physicians per 100,000 residents, a 4.5% increase and closer to the Canadian average of 245.
• On physicians per capita, Manitoba is ranked 7^th among all provinces.
• Manitoba needs 229 more physicians to reach the Canadian average, down from a peak shortage of 445 just three years ago.

“Overall, significant progress is being made in a very short amount of time,” noted Dr. Altman, ​“but that progress is uneven, and targeted recruitment is still needed and stronger action on doctor retention is needed.” 

Gaps in Specialist and Rural Medicine

The top concern in the report is the serious shortage of specialists. Manitoba is short 225 specialists, which is now more than 90% of the overall doctor shortage. Many specialties are affected, including:

• Medical specialties with serious gaps, such as geriatrics, emergency, and cardiology.
• Surgical specialties such as vascular surgery, urology and ear, nose and throat surgeons (otolaryngologists).
• Diagnostic specialties such as pathology, nuclear medicine and radiology.

These shortages contribute to longer waits for consultations, diagnostic tests and surgeries and directly impact patient care.

Outside of Winnipeg, every rural and northern health region has fewer physicians per capita than comparable regions across Canada. The largest gaps are in Southern Health (42% below peer regions) and Interlake-Eastern (41%), followed by Prairie Mountain (22%) and Northern Health (11%).

Focus Needed on Retention

“Doctors Manitoba continues to call for a stronger focus on keeping the physicians we have,” explained Dr. Altman. The report finds that:

• An estimated 658 physicians are considering leaving practice in Manitoba over the next three years, either to retirement or relocating outside of Manitoba.
• Overall, 40% are considering retiring, leaving Manitoba or reducing their clinical hours, an improvement from 52% in 2023 but still a significant risk.
• Only 63% of residents who completed their training in Manitoba are still practicing here five years later, compared to the national average of 73%.

“Recruiting alone won’t solve our shortages,” added Dr. Altman. ​“We need to make Manitoba a place where physicians want to stay, whether they were trained here or recruited from out of province. That means investing in equipment and technology, reducing unnecessary paperwork, expanding team-based care, and ensuring physicians have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting medical care.”

The full Physicians in Manitoba (2026) report is available here.